THEMATIC BACKGROUND from: Spiritual Realities
Reading from Matthew 17:1-9
   (NIV) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the
   brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There
   he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his
   clothes became as white as the light.

   Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with
   Jesus.  Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If
   you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and
   one for Elijah."

   While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice
   from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well
   pleased. Listen to him!"


CREATIVE CLOSING
I am going to suggest that you put yourself in the place of Peter, James or
John on the Mount of transfiguration. Seeing Moses and Elijah talking to
Jesus has awed you. The cloud of God’s glory has come over you. The word’s
of the Father are still ringing in your ears: “This is my Son, whom I love;
with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
	
What is your response” Are you willing to be one who listens to Jesus
throughout your life?”

Now, imagine that the Spirit has moved you to go to a peaceful place. You
are alone. You still yourself. You clear your mind of all your usual mental
clutter. You are still to hear from God.
	
You pray to the Father something like this: “Father you said to listen to
your beloved son Jesus. I am ready to listen. What does Jesus want to say to
me?” See yourself remaining quiet and listening to Jesus.
	
Can you sense what Jesus is saying to you?

If what he said is significant and encouraging to you; if you feel good and
right about it, then let it soak in.

Imaging how your life would be different if you took time to be still and
listen to Jesus. Do you feel good about that?
	 
Ask God: “Is that your vision for me – a life transformed by listening to
Jesus?”

Ask yourself, is that what I want for myself?


copyright - George Hartwell, 2002, 2005 
            Rev. Richard J. Fairchild - Spirit Networks, 2002 - 2006
            please acknowledge the appropriate author if citing these resources.